Database Infrastructure Engineer

What you'll do

You will play an active role in the support and evolution of the database systems that underpin the LHC experiments, accelerator operations, and CERN’s support services. In addition to general database administration, you will focus on the engineering, operation, and modernisation of orchestrated High Availability (HA) infrastructures. A key responsibility will be the development and operation of a resilient, distributed PostgreSQL HA platform based on modern consensus, orchestration, and proxy routing technologies.

A hands-on engineering role focused on the reliability, automation and evolution of CERN’s PostgreSQL and relational database platforms, with a particular focus on high availability, resilience and service continuity for mission-critical scientific and organisational services.

Your responsibilities

Administration, operation, and evolution of MySQL, and PostgreSQL database platforms, including troubleshooting, configuration, migrations, upgrades, scaling, and patching.
Design, deployment, operation, and continuous improvement of highly available and resilient PostgreSQL infrastructures.
Development and maintenance of automation for database provisioning, configuration, failover and operational workflows.
Proactive monitoring of database environments to ensure optimum performance, throughput, stability, availability and security.
Definition and evolution of database architecture, resilience, disaster recovery, and service continuity strategies.
Provision of technical expertise and troubleshooting support to application development teams.
Share domain and technical expertise, and provide technical mentorship and training to peers.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Demonstrated experience operating production relational database services, preferably PostgreSQL, in environments where reliability, availability, backup, recovery and service continuity are critical.
Strong troubleshooting skills in database operations, including performance analysis, query optimisation, replication, clustering, partitioning, upgrades and incident resolution.
Solid understanding of high-availability and disaster-recovery concepts for relational databases; practical experience with PostgreSQL HA tooling such as Patroni, Consul, HAProxy or PgBouncer would be a strong asset.
Technical and troubleshooting skills with open-source database clustering and automated failover tools, with experience in Patroni and Consul being a strong asset.
Solid SQL knowledge with the ability to write and troubleshoot stored procedures, functions, tables, indexes, and constraints, and to support application teams in diagnosing database-related issues.
Experience with infrastructure components including load balancers/proxies (e.g., HAProxy), connection managers (e.g., PgBouncer), Linux-based systems, and infrastructure tools like Puppet or Kubernetes is an asset.
Ability to work collaboratively with infrastructure and application teams, document operational procedures, share knowledge and contribute to the continuous improvement of database services.
Master's Degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computing Science, or a science discipline (e.g., Physics) with significant computing content. or a related field.

Your skills

Administration of databases: experience with production relational database services, including PostgreSQL and MySQL administration. Experience designing, deploying and operating highly available architectures (familiarity with PostgreSQL clustering solutions such as Patroni and replica management is considered an advantage).
Knowledge of operating systems: such as Linux, including familiarity with network port allocation, security configurations, and enterprise storage architectures.
Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: ability to develop and maintain SQL, shell scripts or Python automation to support database operations, monitoring, deployment and troubleshooting.
Architecture and design of ICT systems: ability to design resilient, distributed infrastructure components supporting high availability, failover, traffic routing and service continuity.
Identifies, defines and assesses problems, takes action to address them.
Delivers high quality work on time and fulfils expectations.
Builds and maintains constructive and effective work relationships.
Delivers presentations in a structured and clear way; adjusts style and content to the audience; responds calmly and confidently to questions.
Keeps up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbs new information.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/11/2026

Contract duration (in months): 60

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Employment conditions

Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum net entry-salary of 9236 Swiss Francs per month, increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
A relocation package (installation grant, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Let's get you ready

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot and Croatian nationals, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
You have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
If you have previously held a Staff contract at CERN, you will not be eligible for these positions.
Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

You will need these documents to complete your application

Your CV (English or French)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The IT Department designs, operates, and evolves CERN’s core computing and digital infrastructure. It provides the large-scale data processing, storage, networking, and collaboration services that enable CERN’s scientific programme. The Department supports the LHC and non-LHC experiments, accelerator systems, and the wider CERN community, while advancing new computing technologies through research, development, and strategic partnerships.

Overview of CERN

Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

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Still have a doubt ? Here are the most frequently asked questions

What should I expect during my first week at CERN?

Your onboarding at CERN includes a comprehensive induction programme, which starts with an official welcome session at the beginning of each month. In addition, you will receive important information both before and after your arrival to ensure a smooth transition into your new role. This process is designed to help you get acquainted with CERN’s environment, your team, and the tools and systems you’ll be using.
How big would the team be?

The size of the team you'll be working with at CERN depends on the specific role and department. Some teams are small and highly specialized, while others are larger and more interdisciplinary. During the interview process, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the team structure for the position you are applying for.
What is the working language at CERN?

The working languages at CERN are English and French. However, it is not always mandatory to speak both languages to work at CERN. We offer language training to help you acquiring the other language.
What support does CERN provide for relocation?

CERN does not offer direct assistance with relocation. However, depending on your role and specific criteria, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as an installation allowance and coverage of travel expenses to join CERN. These benefits are designed to help ease the transition when relocating to the Geneva area. For more information, please consult the “Salary, Benefits and Support“ page.
Do I need a visa to work at CERN?

Whether you need a visa to work at CERN depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. CERN assists with the necessary visa and work permit processes for its employees and visitors. The specific requirements will be communicated to you during the recruitment process.
What would my salary be?

Salaries at CERN are determined by a structured scale. Salaries are based on your role, qualifications, and experience, and are not subject to negotiation. Specific details will be provided as your application progresses. For more information, please refer to the dedicated page.